The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the Autism Society of the Black Hills has been awarded a $2,000 grant to assist with developing an Asperger’s Peer Group. This grant was presented through the South Dakota Community Foundation’s statewide grant program. The Autism Society of the Black Hills serves nearly 200 families in the West River area. An Asperger’s Peer Group will bring young Asperger’s adults together to network with one another and develop a social support system to help mentor them with the everyday tasks that they need to master in order to live fuller lives. This program will guide them through the processes of preparing for college, attending college classes, going on job interviews and subsequent employment opportunities. According to Ginger Niemann, Program Officer of the South Dakota Community Foundation, the development of this Asperger’s Peer Group will assist these young adults in being productive members of society and to help ease the burden of families. “The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to support the efforts of the Autism Society of the Black Hills and the Asperger’s Peer Group.” Niemann said.